Scottish friendly societies have their origins in the trade and
craft incorporations (or guilds) of the medieval boroughs. These
groups were originally established to protect and support
specialist or skilled workers but by the 17th century they had
expanded to become locally-based self-help organisations. During
the 18th century the idea of national organisations, often based on
a network of regional groups or lodges, spread across the country;
amongst the earliest were the Free Gardeners and The Freemasons.
The largest and most popular friendly society in south-west
Scotland was The Oddfellows which had a number of lodges in the
area by the 1840s. Another popular society, especially in the
larger towns, was the Loyal Order of Shepherds which was at its
height in the 1890s. Towards the end of the 19th century a number
of temperance friendly societies were established and Rechabite
lodges appeared across the region.
By the early 20th century friendly societies were part of the
social fabric of south-west Scotland. Many towns had one or more
lodge halls and society events and parades were the high points in
a community's calendar.
The introduction of pensions in the National Insurance Act of
1911 had a major effect on friendly societies and most experienced
a huge drop in membership. Membership fell even further in the mid
1940s with the National Health Act and the Welfare State. Some
friendly societies are still in existence but most are now social
organisations.
